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Friday, 31 May 2013

Hancock in the Dog House as Clegg Plays Catch-Up.

TBG can tonight reveal that Lib Dem rebel Mike Hancock has been summoned to a meeting of the party hierarchy in Westminster next Monday.

The meeting will discuss whether or not to immediately suspend the MP for Portsmouth South after High Court papers were issued yesterday. It's alleged that Hancock subjected a vulnerable constituent to abuse including what is known as sex texting.

Yet whilst the allegations have been floating around for nearly four years, its only now that Nick Clegg has taken any action.

Hancock says that the allegations are politically motivated but tbg has learned tonight that Clegg's failure to act sooner could result in the Deputy Prime Minister himself being forced to give evidence.

Suspension from the party would almost certainly mean Hancock would lose his portfolio at Portsmouth City Council.

One source told tbg tonight that Hancock's future hangs by a thread.

Nick Clegg told LBC Radio earlier that when allegations as serious as these arise he has to take action.

Tonight rumours are circulating in Portsmouth that Hancock may even boycott the meeting and resign the Lib Dem whip beforehand.

Mike Hancock says he will leave politics at a time of his choosing unless he is voted out. Hancock and his wife are both due up for re-election to Portsmouth City Council next year and speculation is mounting that both may now be de-selected.